Electrolytic interrupter.



J. R. KELLEY.

ELEGTRDLYTIO INTERRUPTER. APPLICATION FILED An. 21, 1911.

Patented Mar. 19,1912.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

gmc/whom' SH01/neg Wifi/neme@ J. R. `KBLLEY.

ELBGTROLYTIO INTBRRUPTER.

APPLICATION FILED 23.21, 1911.

Patented'mar. 19, 1912.'

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

JOHN ROBERT KELLEY, or CovINGTomKETUc-:xa

ELECTROLYTIC INTERRUPTER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 19, 1912.

Application led April 2 1, 19,11. Serial N0. 622,447.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known thatI, JOHN ROBERT KELLEY, a citizen of the United States,residing at Covington, in the county of Kenton and State of Kentucky,have invented cert-ain new and useful Improvements in ElectrolyticInterrupters, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements inelectrical interrupters.

One of its objects is to provide an im-` proved cell for electrolytic1nterrupters.

Another object is to provide an improved electrode for electrolyticinterrupters in.

which the parts are arranged and combined to prevent rapiddeterioration, and to provide for renewal of parts subject to wear.

Another object is to provide an improved form of electrode vadapted tobe conveniently adjusted to or removed from operative position.

It further consists in certain details of form, combination andarrangement, all of which will scription of the accompanying drawings,in which;

Figure 1 is a central vertical section through one form of electrolyticinterrupter cell employing my improved electrodes, section being on linea: :r'of Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is anenlarged central sectional view through one of the interrupterelectrodes detached. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view of thelower portion of an electrode illustrating a modication. Fig.` 5 is aview similar to Fig. 4 illustrating a modification. Fig. 6 is aperspective view of one of the capsl or sleeves detached. Fig. 7 is acentral vertical section through another form of ce l embodying myinvention.v Fig. 8 is a sectional detail of a modification of theinterru terV electrode. Fig. 9` is a sectional detail ilusltrating amodification of Fig. 7.

The accompanyin 4drawings lllustrate the preferred embo iments of myinvention. Asillustrated in Figs. -1 to 4A represen'ts a metal lined boxor container within which is located an electrolytic cell B of glass orother suitable` material. Within the cell and supported from aboveprefer ably by means of a clam `a 'on the lid A of the container A is ane ectrode C. of lead,

carbon, orY other chemically inert material.

The upwardly rejecting.supporting'stem of 'said electro e is preferably`protected be more fully set forth in the de from theelectrolyte in thecell by means' readily attacked or corroded, such as platinum or gold.The electrode D is fused or sealed into the wall of the stem d so as toproject at opposite sides of the stem wall. On t-he outside of the stemwall: the elect-rode D is fitted with a cap or sleeve E preferably ofthe same metal as the electrode, which cap is made, to closely fitagainst the stem wall surrounding the point where the electrode passesthrough the wall. In Figs. 3 and Ltithe member E is illustrated as asleeve or tube-threaded onto the electrode D, while in Fig. 5 thecorresponding member E is illustrated as a cap closed at the outer endand held in place by frictional engagement with the electrode.

Leading upward withinythe stem d and in electrical cont-act at its lowerend with the inner end of the electrode D is a lead wire on conductor F,which is sealed into position within the stem d by means of a sealingcement or material f, and is preferably bent at f to insure a firm jointAbetween the conductor and the cement. The upper end of the stem d isadapted to be detachably clamped in position between the jaws g g of thebracket G mounted upon the lid A. The upper end of-the conductor F isbent into loop shape so that when the stem d is adjusted and clamped toposition, the free end of the conductor will enter a socket in a bindingpost g2 where it is adapted to be clamped by a` binding screw g. Asillustratd in Figs. 3 and 5 electrical contacti's maintained between theelectrode D andthe lower end of' conductor F by means of a in the lowerlend of stem` end of the conductor is provided with a j threaded lsocketf* which is screwed onto the threaded inner end of the electrode' D.' Aseries of iterrupter electrodes D sup- -ported'in indepentifeiitetems orinsulators-,d 110 are preferably employed connected in pareI allel andtheA exposed 'area 'of the electrodes through the ceu.

D and their caps E varied in separate or independent stems to providefor convenientvariation of the current volume to be passed A series ofelectrical switches H serve to control the electrical current from thelead wires 2, 3, through branch conductors f1, 5, and Gand theelectrodes to the electrolyte of the cell B, and so as topermitemploying one or more of the electrodes D, or `any one of saidelectrodes D according to the volume of current desired to be passedthrough the cell.

My limproved interrupter is adapted to be employed to excite X-raycoils, and wherever an interrupted current is desired. VIn practice aAbody of cooling water is lcontained in or circulated through thecontainer A and surrounding the cell B to prevent eX- cessive heating ofthe electrolyte of cell B. The electrolyte i in cell B may be of variedcomposition, a dilute sulfuric acid may be employed, and upon thepassage of a current through the cell, due to the limited area ofelectrode D exposed to the electrolyte and the liberation of gases atthe surfacev of the electrode or electrodes D, a rapid interruption ofthe current takes place, thus producing a rapidly interruptedunidirectional current through a circuuit in which said cell isincluded.

Heretofore electrodes of limited area employed to interrupt the current,and alsothe -material of the insulating stem through which they wereloosely passed, in the neighborhood of the electrode, have both beensubject to rapid deterioration due to local heat, chemical, electrical,or mechanical action, and consequently such apparatus hasbeen of shortlife. With my improvements whereby the electrode is fused or sealed intothe stem and the electrolyte keptout of the interior of the stem, andthe cap or sleeve employed to protect the face Iof the eleci trodeexposed to the electrolyte, and to protect the joint where the electrodepasses through the stein wall, the disintegrating action is confined tothe surface or the cap or sleeve E and electrode D exposed to theelectrolyte, and is reduced//to a minimum, while the cap or sleeveEbeing detachable is readily renewable when required, thus enabling theapparatus to be maintained in operative condition for long periods oftime.

As illustrated in Fig; 7 the cell 10 is preferably composed of leadglass, which is'impervious to X-rays, and with thick walls. A series Aofhollow porcelain stems or supports 11 are seated by means or ground joints- 12 in perforations through the bottom of the. cell.` Thelinterrupter electrodes 14 are fused or sealed into the wall of the stems11 at their upper ends so as to project upwardly into the electrolytefrom said stems, and are provided with caps or sleeves 15 correspondingto the members E, E of lTigs.

1 to 6, and which may be threaded or otherwise secured to saidelectrodes and adapted to protect the projecting portion of saidelectrodes and the joint between said electrodes and their stems. fromdeteriorating influences.

the stems 11, and at their lower ends are adapted to dip into mercurycups 17 secured to the base or support 18 by means of binding screws 19,from which circuit wires lead to a series of switches similar to theswitches H of Figs. 1 and 2.'l The cell is preferably provided with anannular foot Lead'wires 16 either connected to or integral with theelectrodes 15 project downwardly through the central opening of A orsupport 20 having a notch 23 to support at the top of the cell. Thestopper 31 carries a binding screw 32 connected to the electrode 30 andby a lead wire 311, corresponding to the wire 6 of Fig. 2, to the lineWire 3. A vent 33 t rough the stopper 31 permits the escape o any gasesgenerated in the cell. V

As illustrated in Fig. 7 the electrodes 14 being beneath the electrode30 .and opposi-te its under face, the most energetic action occursbetween the electrode faces nearest to each other, and therefore hasless injurious e'ect on the joint where the electrode passes through thestem wall, and the heat and generation of gases at the interrupterelectrodes tend to establish upward currents in the electrolyte in theneighborhood of said interrupter electrodes, which carry away thecorrosive elements and bring resh quantities of-cool electrolyte Jfrombelow into contact with the interrupter electrodes, 'thereby greatlyreducing the deteriorating action on said electrodes and the jointswhere they pass through the stem walls, and alsoenable an increasedcurrent eiiciency to be attained. l

1n the modication Fig.- 9 tight joints between the perfoi'ations 61 ofthe cell 60 and' the electrode stems 62 are made by means of sleeves 63of rubber or other suitable matef..

rial of similar nature, lwhich sleeves are n preferably fitted intoannular recesses 64 in the outer face ot said stems, said recessesserving to [retain the sleeves 1n place with reference to said stems,said sleeves enabling said stems to be y interchangeably inserted' intodiii'erent perorations in the bottom oit the cells, and to make tightjoints therewith. 1n Fig. 8 is illustrated an interrupter.

electrode 40 and stem 41 adapted to be sup- I with Fig. 7. A lead wirel2 throughthe4 stem 41 and a body of mercury 44 serve to connect theelectrode 40 with the line wire, and a cap i3 serves to protect theprojecting portion of the electrode and its joint with the stem wallfrom deteriorating influences.

The apparatus herein illustrated and described is capable ofconsiderable modilication without departing from the principle ofmy'invention. A

' Having described my invention, what I claim is:

l. In an electrolytic interrupter, an interrupting electrode comprisinga stem of nonconduct'ing material, an electrode sealed into said stemand lexposing a limited surface to an electrolyte, and means to protectthe material of said stem from disintegration due to the passage of acurrent.

2. In an electrolytic interrupter, an interrupting electrode comprisinga stem of non# conducting material, an electrode sealed into saidstemand exposing a limited surface to an electrolyte, and means to protectsaid stem in close proximity to said electrode from disintegration dueto the passage of a current.

3. In an electrolytic interrupter, an interrupter electrode comprising ahollow ,supporting member of non-conducting material,

an electrode sealed into the wall of said supporting member and exposinga limited surface to an electrolyte, an electrical conductor leadingthrough said supporting member and in electrical contact with said tothe end of said electrode within'said sup- A porting member, and adetachable member of conducting material encircling said elec? trodeoutside of said supporting member and closely tting-the outer face ofsaid supporting member. I l

5. In an electrolytic interrupter, a cellhaving an opening at thetopfand an openi`ng` through the bottom, a depending electrode havingelectrical' connection through the top opening of said cell, asupporting member of non-conducting material seated in and closing theopening through the bottom of said celland projecting into theelectrolyte of said cell, and an interrupter electrode projectingthrough the Wall of said supporting member at its upper end and exposinga limited area to the electrolyte of said cell.

6. In an electrolytic interrupter, a cell. having an opening at the topand an opening through the bottom, a depending elec trode havingelectrical connection through the top opening of said cell, a supportingmember of non-conductingV material seated in and` closing the openingthrough the bottom of said cell and projecting into the electrolyte ofsaid cell, an interrupter electrode projecting through the Wall of saidsupporting member atits uppe'r end andl exposing a limited area to theelectrolyte of saidcell, and a cap protecting said electrode and itsjoint with said supporting member from deteriorating influences.

7. In an' electrolytic interrupter, a cell having an opening through thebottom, a supporting member of non-conducting mav terial seated in andclosing the opening through the bottom of said cell and projecting intothe electrolyte of said cell, an interrupter electrode. projectingthrough t-he Wall of said supporting member at its upper end andexposing a limited area to the electrolyte of said cell, and anelectrode immersed in the electrolyte of said cell and adapted to co-actwith said intrrupter elec# trode. 8. In an electrolytic interrupter, acell having a plurality of openings through the bottom, a plurality ofsupporting members of non-conducting material seated in and closing saidopenings through the bottom of the cell and projecting intol theelectrolyte of said cell, a plurality of interrupter electrodesprojected through and sealed into the Wall of said supporting members attheir upper ends and exposing a limited areaA to the electrolyte of saidcell, and an electrode immersed in the electrolyte of said celland vadapted to cQ-act with said interrupter elecy trodes.

9. In an electrolyt-ic interrupter, a cell j having a plurality ofopenings through the the wall 'of said supporting membersy at jectingportions of 'said electrodes, and an their' upper ends and exposing alimited `rupter electrodes.

electrode immersed in the electrolyte of said cell and adapted to co-actwith said interl0 In an electrolytic interrupter, a cell having aAplurality of openings through the bottom, a plurality of supportingmembers of non-conducting material seated in and closing said openingsthrough the bottom oi'I the cell and projecting into the electrolyte ofsaid cell, a plurality of interrupter electrodes projecting through andsealed into the wall of said supporting` members at their upper ends andexposing a limited area t0 the electrolyte of said cella plurality ofprotecting caps seated upon the projecting portions of said electrodesandexposed to the electrolyte, yan electrode immersed in the electrolyteof said cell and adapted to co-act with said interrupter elecv ingthrough the bottomof said cell, an introdes, and independent' switchescontrolling the current through said respective interrupter electrodes.

11. In an electrolyt-ic interrupter, a cell having an 'opening at thetop and an opening through the bottom, a stop er seated in the openingat the top of saidI cell, an electrode carried by said stopper 'andprojecting into the electrolyte of said cell, a hollow supporting memberof non-conducting material seated in and closing the openterrupterelectrode sealed into said support'- ing member and projecting from theupper end of said supporting member into the electrolyte @of said cell,so as to expose a limited area to said electrolyte. v A

12. In an electrolyt-ic interrupter, a ce1l. having an opening at thetop and an opening through the bottom, a stopper seated in .i

upon the projecting the opening at the to of said cell, an elec` trolyteof said cell, so as to expose a limited arca to said elect-rolyte, and a'cap seated ortion of said electrode and adapted to protect saidelectrode and its joint with said supporting member from deterioratinginfluences,

13. In an electrolyt-ic interrupter, a cell having a plurality ofopenings through the bottom, a plurality of supporting members ofnon-conducting material seated in and closingsaid openings through thebottom of the cell, a plurallty of interrupter elect-rodes sealed intosaid supportingmembers with a limited area projecting into the elecjtrolyte of said cell and a portion projecting below'the bottom of saidcell, aplurality of cups containing liquid conductors ofelectricitylocated beneath said cell in posit-ion to establish separateelectrical connections withv said interrupter electrodes, and anelect-rode immersed in the electrolyte of said cell and adapted toco-act with said interrupter electrodes. p

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature in resence oftwo witn'esses.v i j' JOHN RO ERT KELLEY.

Witnesses:

t C. W. MILES.,

W. THORNTON BOGERT.

